Michael James Worst

Mr. Michael James Worst, age 56 a resident of Auburndale passed away Monday, September 6, 2021 at Winter Haven Hospital surrounded by family. Mr. Worst was born June 10, 1965 in Greenville, Michigan to Ronald Meyer and Gloria Joanne (Freeman) Worst. He’s been an Auburndale since 2017 coming from Homestead, Florida. Michael was an Assistant Prison Warden where he spent the last 34 years, getting ready to retire in May 2022. He was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Arcadia, Florida and member of the Prison Rapid Response Team. He enjoyed teaching defensive tactics, fishing and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his father – Ronald Meyer Worst; stepfather – Gordon Vanderkooi and brother – Christopher Worst. Michael is survived by his loving family, wife of 37 years – Sonja Worst of Auburndale, Florida; 2 sons – Ronald Marcus (Holly) Worst of Berea, Ohio and Allan Michael Worst of Orlando, Florida; daughter – Valerie Michelle (Joel) Goodrick of Fish Hawk, Florida; mother – Gloria Vanderkooi of Winter Haven, Florida; brother – Scott (Joyce) Worst of Knoxville, Tennessee and 2 granddaughters – Natalie Grace Goodrick & Kaylie Marie Goodrick. Funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday, September 14th at Kersey Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 1pm at the funeral home. Interment with Department of Correction Honors will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park.